Male Infertility Evaluation

Within the first year of unprotected, frequent intercourses, more than 90% of couples achieve pregnancy. The inability for a couple to get pregnant is the main and usually the only obvious symptom of infertility. Even though many people still think that it’s a “woman’s problem”, the man is the sole or a contributing cause in about 40% of infertile couples. Therefore, it’s of high importance that both men and women get tested for fertility. While this test can be rather embarrassing, if you discover male fertility issues early, you’ll be able to treat it and achieve a successful pregnancy very soon! In addition, male fertility testing can spare women expense and discomfort.

So, how does male infertility evaluation look like? It starts with a visit to a urologist who will ask for your full reproductive and medical history, along with medications and surgeries you have had. Your doctor will have a frank discussion about your sexual life, including previous STDs and other sexual connected issues, as well as your general lifestyle. No male infertility evaluation can be done without a sample of semen for analysis, which is performed typically at the nearby office, since the analysis should take place quickly. Nevertheless, it’s still difficult to identify the cause of a man’s infertility and many urologists differ in their approach. If the first semen analysis is normal, the second test may be ordered to confirm the results. In case something in the results looks irregular, further tests are ordered to pinpoint the issue. Your urologist will also perform a physical exam (usually, testicular size is measured) which can give clues to hormone problems. But, in 97% of infertile men, hormones are not the main infertility cause.

It’s important to be patient and to stay positive. More than 85% of couples discover the causes of their infertility through well-performed testing of both partners. What’s more, many of them become pregnant in less than a year, of course, with continued treatments and attempts.